The last three weeks have been so good to me.

I got to spend quality time with 49 of my favorite people–not to forget my bratty dog and snuggly cat. This type of trip takes some serious star alignment. (Wait a minute… THE ECLIPSE).

But it also takes intentional planning and truly amazing friends and family. You are some good people.

My trip to WI included time at White Lake with Grandma Riley and cousins, annual SNC + Katie G. road trip to Lake Imogene, boat ride to Oshkosh with Captain Steve and deckhand Amy, Mojo Road performance (my Dad’s band), much-needed time on St. Norbert’s campus, lunch date with my favorite prof, Green Bay sleepover with three of my beloved girlfriends, short-but-sweet car ride and lunch with my boss girl sister, The Little Farmer caramel apple date with Mama Amy, time in Madison, sleepover with my cousin, coffee date with a kindred spirit freelance writer, Packer preseason game with [burn-yo’-lips and drink-a-gallon-of-chocolate-milk] jalapeño poppers, fall-like September 1st trip to the race track, Labor Day wedding weekend with some quality SAHE folks, trip to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, and a road trip back to Syracuse with Steve.

My heart is so stinkin’ full.

Thanks to every single one of you who spent time with me. (And if my parents paid you to be my friend, keep it to yourself).

Rather than belabor every detail, here’s what I’m most grateful for:

1. Mama Amy and Papa Steve. Who let me commandeer their spare bedroom, borrow their vehicles (for extended periods of time), and steal the cat they usually sleep with.
2. Gas stove s’mores, popcorn, and Night at The Museum movie night with Grandma, Mitch, and Anna.
3. Time at Lake Imogene: boating, fishing (poorly), kayaking, bonfire-ing, playing bocce ball, Secret Hitler, one-line-stories, Oodles of Doodles, and (short-lived) Rummy 500.
4. Kate’s patience as she learned (and grew to love) Secret Hitler.
5. Eclipse glasses.
6. Fire roasted corn on the cob. With lots of butter and salt, obviously.
7. Betting on (read: “donating money to”) 4-5-6 with my bffs, grandparents, and mom.
8. Suprise nightgowns. Steve says I’m too young to wear a nightgown. But whaddayaknow, Taylor and Nichole surprised the group with individually selected night gowns. And everyone knows you can’t say no to a surprise. (I’m definitely wearing it as I write this.)
9. Boat bow cushions. And a strong resistance to sea sickness.
10. Cavity-free dentist appointments. Leaving with three travel-size tubes of toothpaste. And knowing I don’t have to go back for at least six months.
11. Successful thrift store trips. The goods: a 90s Packers windbreaker (for $2!) and four books: Eat Pray Love, 1984, The Help, and blink.
12. Happy clients and work I can do from almost anywhere. (Making this trip possible.)
13. Four good airplanes and two easy, breezy, beautiful layovers.
14. St. Norbert College. (Stepping foot on campus gave me butterflies.) I was the weird alum who couldn’t stop smiling during freshmen move-in. Over it.
15. My new 4-wheel suitcase. Even if I do look pretentious. Thanks, Jade.
16. A sweet but salty doge who pranced around the golf course with me.
17. A salty but sweet doge who acted like I was a stranger chasing her when I took her out at Riley Electric. She walked in front of me, turned around just enough to make eye contact, then–after making eye contact–sprinted with her head down. Like what are you doing? We know each other. I’m the one who brought you out here. Ya weirdo.
18. Making the wise decision to eat a quick meal at Culver’s (rather than a full sit-down dinner) enabling Randii, Sarah, Kayla, and I stay out until after bar close. WE ARE YOUNG.
19. Brunch at Nicolet.
20. My sister’s flight being delayed just enough to have lunch together, but not too long to make her miss her connection. I’m telling ya, the stars aligned.
21. Kindred spirits.
22. Meeting another freelance writer who speaks my language.
23. A Dad who not only took me to the races on Friday night but got up at 5:00 am the next morning to bring me to the airport. On the drive, he offered to donate to my next flight if it means a later departure.
24. Reigniting family tradition. When we go to the races, we each guess which car wins each heat. Whoever’s car does the best, wins the round. This is serious stuff. Like write it down and circle who wins business. (I don’t mean to brag, but I did win 12 of 25.)
25. PERFECT weather for an outdoor wedding complete with yard games, candles, string lights, delicious food, rustic tables, and sweet friends. All next to one of the great seas, Lake Erie.
26. Oh, and let’s not forget, football is back.

My heart loves/needs/wants WI.

Pause for seriousness: I’m continually reminded of the fragility of life and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to spend quality time with nearly 50 people in three weeks. Few segments of time compare to the one I just got to experience.

Make time for the people in your life.

Like the ones who live down the street but you never see (because you’re both so busy, and yada yada yada). I’m not buyin’ it.

Cheers people.